Zainab Hassan

ROLI's resident writer

About Zainab Hassan

Zainab is the Editorial and Communications Executive at ROLI. When she's not learning new languages or playing guitar, she enjoys discovering exciting music communities from all over the world.

Written by Zainab Hassan

A person playing a black ROLI Seaboard on a desk in a studio setting, with a laptop running music software in the background.

Sam Gutman's Top 10 Airwave Sounds

Woman performing electronic music live on stage with colorful lighting and a microphone in the background.

Maja Wlazły: Multisensory performances with handpans and Piano M

Two musicians perform on stage, one playing keyboard and the other violin, with a pipe organ in the background.

Davide Sammarchi: Building bridges between distant musical worlds with Seaboard 2

Three musicians perform live electronic music outdoors with DJ equipment, laptops, and a whiteboard in the background.

Fred again.. & PARISI tease explosive new collaboration “Big Dreams” with Seaboard 2

Colorful graphic of famous movie and TV themes: Interstellar, Star Wars, Toy Story, and The Simpsons on a tablet screen.

Lights, camera, action! Learn piano with classic film soundtracks in the ROLI Learn App

Man playing a compact MIDI keyboard on a kitchen counter, smiling and enjoying music creation at home.

Harmonious healing: Exploring the benefits of music on mental health

Gnarly: Making a beat from the Naruto soundtrack using ROLI Piano, Maschine and Ableton

Gnarly: Making a beat from the Naruto soundtrack

Man demonstrating a digital piano with a screen in a modern, well-lit room.

“I’m actually so blown away” - Mrwhosetheboss puts ROLI Piano through its paces

Two people standing in a grassy field at dusk, wearing dark sweaters, with trees in the background.

Rewiring expression: how SIAS is making electronic music feel human again

Producer, musician, and creative coach LNA Does Audio Stuff believes there’s no such thing as failure in music. To test that theory, we invited her to the ROLI Studio for a 10-minute challenge to make a track with ROLI Piano and Airwave, all while answering a few questions about creative confidence.

Navigate toRoli Piano

Finding creative confidence with LNA Does Audio Stuff

Abstract red and black blurred light streaks background with vibrant glowing hues and dynamic motion effect.

Navigate toCreate

The LGBTQIA+ roots of House — dance music’s most liberating genre

Man in a retro orange floral shirt smiling outdoors near a white wall with greenery in the background.

Celebrating Brian Wilson

Man in a recording studio speaking into a microphone, surrounded by audio equipment, black and white photo.

Navigate toFeatures

Deep diving "Good Vibrations": the revolutionary genius of Brian Wilson

Colorful music artist banners on a tablet, featuring "Good Luck, Babe!", "Old Town Road", "Die with a Smile", and "Rocket Man".

Navigate toRoli Learn App

Play with Pride: Celebrating Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ artists in the ROLI Learn app.

Four music icons with song titles: "Don't Start Now," "Bad Guy," "Hey Jude," and "Your Song" on colorful panels.

10 easy piano songs for beginners

Music genres collage with artists and song titles: Roses, Here Comes the Sun, Wildflower, and Spring, displayed on a laptop screen.

Navigate toRoli Learn App

Refresh your piano playing with spring songs

Album cover for "Clocks" featuring four band members on a purple and beige geometric background.

Navigate toRoli Learn App

Learn to play Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’ with Piano M and the ROLI Learn app

Tablet displaying a music streaming app with playlists for International Women’s Day, featuring various artists on colorful backgrounds.

Navigate toInspire

International Women’s Day: Celebrating pioneering pianists

Grid of classic holiday song covers, including "White Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and "The Christmas Song."

Seasonal songs to play on the LUMI app

Four men in a stylized blue-toned band photo with a geometric background, looking directly at the camera.

Learning Piano with Queen

Finger tapping on a tablet screen displaying a colorful digital interface with various app icons.

Introducing exciting changes to the LUMI Music app

Grid of video thumbnails showing people using colorful digital piano keyboards and tablets in various settings.

Enter the #LoveLUMI Competition

White half-face masquerade mask on a purple gradient background.

Spooky piano fun: Halloween hits to learn and play

Man with beard and dark shirt in moody red lighting, abstract white lines on black background, modern portrait style.

Michael Sebastian: "MPE functionality offers an extra sense of expression that can help bring digital sounds to life."

Man in casual grey sweatshirt and jeans sitting indoors with modern light strips and abstract white line graphics.

Anomalie finds boundless expression with Seaboard RISE 2

Man with headphones and microphone recording podcast in a cozy home studio with plants and shelves in the background.

Can AI make you a better musician? We explore the power of ChatGPT and Equator2

Grid of people teaching music online with colorful backgrounds and MIDI keyboards, viewed on tablet screens.

Learn to play piano chords with new ROLI Learn lessons

Woman recording in a modern home studio with dual monitors, microphone, and audio equipment.

Exploring Seaboard RISE 2 with SEIDS

Hands playing a portable roll-up piano keyboard on a wooden table in natural light.

Navigate toEducation

How to build your perfect travel production rig

Woman working at a modern music production studio desk with audio equipment, speakers, and computer screen.

Writing a rap song with LUMI Keys Studio Edition and KARRA

Man holding a LUMI keyboard in a music studio with synthesizers and audio equipment in the background.

Making melodic future bass with Miles Away and LUMI Keys Studio Edition

Man working on music production software at a desktop computer in a modern home recording studio.

Using AI to write a film score with Juan Dussán

Man sitting on yellow couch with MIDI keyboard, laptop, and synthesizers in a modern music studio.

Tips and tricks for expressive music-making with LUMI Keys Studio Edition

Person typing on a digital keyboard connected to a tablet on a wooden table, cozy indoor setting.

International Women's Day Pioneering forces in music technology

Music producer wearing headphones plays a MIDI controller in a modern recording studio with audio equipment.

Archie Beatz finds joy in expressive music creation with Seaboard RISE 2

Blurry portrait of a person in a music studio with a keyboard and audio equipment in the background.

“It allows for the human feel of playing an instrument.” – Hannah Thurlow on sound design with Seaboard

Man using a MIDI keyboard connected to a laptop with music production software in a home studio setup.

Navigate toEducation

5 Free MPE synths we love

Digital synthesizer plugin interface with sound design controls, waveforms, and colorful abstract background.

Building an ambient track in Equator2

Man playing keyboard in a cozy room with sunlight, laptop covered in stickers, and a plant by the window.

ROLI Meets The Operatives Discovering new musical dimensions

Person with long hair playing an oud in a forest surrounded by large trees.

ASADI blending Persian traditional music with technological innovation

Bald man in green lighting with yellow laser beams crossing in front of him against a dark background.

Darren Tate's musical metamorphosis

Musician in blue suit playing keyboard synthesizer in art gallery with classical paintings in the background.

Dr. Zubin Kanga brings classical music to the frontier of music tech innovation

Two DJs performing live on stage with mixing equipment, illuminated by stage lights and a crowd in the background.

ROLI Meets Parisi Revolutionizing electronic music with Seaboard

Tattooed musician playing a MIDI controller keyboard and adjusting knobs on a synthesizer in a home studio.

Discover next-level musical expression with Seaboard BLOCK M: A dive into the new features.

Man in navy sweater and jeans sitting on a stool against a rustic, textured wall, looking at the camera.

Welcome to a whole brand new ROLI

Black and white portrait of a bearded man with a top knot, wearing a dark turtleneck against a dark background.

How to create Hans Zimmer’s ‘Dune: Part Two’ score on ROLI Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard

Professional film studio setup with robotic camera arm, studio lights, and backdrop for video or photo production.

ROLI Seaboard BLOCK M keyboard Infinite expression. Anywhere.

Black MIDI controller keyboard with touch-sensitive keys, sliders, and control pads on a dark gradient background.

See the new all-black Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard in action

Woman playing an electronic keyboard in a dark studio with dramatic lighting.

OBLVYN makes floor-shaking future bass with the all-black Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard with the all-black Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard

Hands playing a digital MIDI keyboard controller in a dimly lit music studio with blurred lights in the background.

Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard is Back in Black

Hands playing a ROLI Seaboard MIDI controller with a blue 3rd Wave wavetable synthesizer on a wooden desk.

Controlling hardware synths with Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard

Man with glasses speaking in a home music studio with electronic drum set, speakers, and vinyl records in the background.

Level up your music with Will Hatton and Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard

Hand playing a ROLI Seaboard MIDI keyboard controller on a desk in low light.

Be transported by the stellar music of Star Wars on Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard and LUMI Keys

Woman with short hair and glasses sitting on a couch, surrounded by musical instruments, including a Marcordi kalimba.

Customizing your signature Seaboard keyboard sound with Celia

Woman with shoulder-length brown hair and eyebrow piercings expressing surprise against a beige background.

"What is that?": A glimpse at our next reveal

Person holding a synthesizer stand in a music studio with electronic instruments and blue lighting.

A first look at ROLI Airwave with Andrew Huang

Man using gesture-controlled MIDI keyboard and dual monitors in a modern music production studio with colorful lighting.

Spatial Expression with Airwave and Piano M

Person playing an electronic keyboard in a dimly lit room with a digital screen in the background.

Watch Airwave make its live debut with Marco Parisi

Smiling woman using assistive technology device with a braille keyboard and tablet at a desk.

“Straight away, off the bat, you can play.”

Person sitting in a stylish, modern room with warm lighting, plants, and a desk setup against a vibrant red background.

Navigate toVideos

Compose in style with ROLI keyboards

Woman playing electronic keyboard and speaking into a microphone in a home music studio with warm lighting.

OBLVYN’s tips and tricks for ROLI Seaboard RISE 2 keyboard

Two musicians collaborating in a recording studio with instruments and audio equipment in the background.

Extra Soul Perception and Beneath the Baobabs building bridges and breaking barriers

Man presenting digital piano keyboard and tablet on the set of "Rich On Tech" technology TV show.

Airwave makes the news KTLA TV

Speaker on stage at ROLI event with large "Free the music" sign, addressing an audience in a dark venue.

ROLI's Airwave Launch at Fabric, London

Colorful abstract circles of various sizes on a soft beige background with a playful, minimalist design.

Introducing Playground Free your piano practice with ROLI Learn

Man playing a synthesizer keyboard in a home studio with pillows and music equipment in the background.

Airwave plays with every MIDI keyboard.

Person learning piano with digital keyboard and interactive lesson on tablet at a desk by a window.

Piano progress in five dimensions

Keyboardist performing on stage at a packed concert arena with bright lights and cheering crowd in the background.

Watch Airwave live at the O2 Arena with Lauryn Hill

Colorful graphic of classic rock songs: Bad Moon Rising, Running Up That Hill, Highway to Hell, and Werewolves of London.

Halloween hits in the ROLI Learn app

Person playing a MIDI keyboard controller in a home music studio with computer and audio equipment.

Synthetic Epiphany's top 10 Airwave sounds

DJ performing live electronic music with synthesizers and mixers under orange stage lights in a crowded nightclub.

An evening with Airwave and PARISI

Man playing a digital piano keyboard at a desk with a laptop, surrounded by indoor plants in a bright room.

What’s it really like to learn with Airwave

Man using gesture control MIDI controller and keyboard in music studio with laptop and audio equipment.

Introducing the Five Dimensions of Air

Colorful music chart with four female artists and song titles: Espresso, Sofia, Boom Clap, and Good Luck Babe! on a tablet screen.

Learn piano with the 2025 Grammy nominees in the ROLI Learn app

Person holding a LUMI portable keyboard with colorful keys in front of a geometric black and white background.

Free the music a very special student offer

Tablet displaying a purple-toned band photo labeled "Sonnet" above a colorful digital piano keyboard.

Learn the Verve's 'Sonnet' and join the John Lewis TikTok Challenge

Four classic Christmas songs displayed on a tablet: "All I Want for Christmas Is You," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and "White Christmas."

Jingle all the way! Learning Jingle Bells with Piano M, from practice to performance

Christmas gift with gold bow and tag in front of decorated tree with colorful lights and ornaments.

Give the gift of music this holiday season

Man playing an expressive electronic musical instrument on a table in a modern home studio setting.

Everything you need to know about Airwave

Man composing music on a MIDI controller in a home studio with dual monitors and ambient lighting.

Quick tips with Airwave: Trigger effects, samples and more

3D illustration of two blue hands reaching toward each other on a coral background, symbolizing connection and support.

Now in ROLI Learn: Video lessons for two-handed playing

Man playing a digital music controller in a home studio with synthesizer, laptop, and speakers in the background.

Airwave meets Logic Pro

Laptop screen displaying colorful music album covers, including jazz, classical, video game, and animated film themes.

Discover 50 new songs in the ROLI Learn app

Person using a colorful MIDI keyboard connected to a tablet with a music learning app on a white desk.

“This thing hits all the right notes” Piano M is exactly what Jon Rettinger needs

Music production tutorial in Ableton Live with audio plugin interface and instructor video overlay.

Airwave meets Ableton Live

Adult teaching child to play piano, guiding hands on keyboard, close-up view from above.

Learn to play piano with ROLI in 2025

Man with glasses using a laptop while sitting on grass in a garden surrounded by trees and plants.

Sampling on Safari with Sam Gutman and Equator2

Modern home music production workspace with laptop, monitor, MIDI controller, speakers, and creative wall decor.

New year, new sound

Man sitting at a desk with a tablet, ring light, and ROLI piano keyboard in a cozy, modern studio setting.

Watch the new ROLI Piano Walkthrough for Learners

Man playing ROLI Piano keyboard with motion sensor device and laptop on table in a modern home studio setting.

Watch the new ROLI Piano Walkthrough for Creators

Hands playing a colorful illuminated MIDI keyboard in front of a computer monitor with a pink background.

Watch the new ROLI Piano’s debut performance

Person using a digital piano learning app on a touchscreen tablet, selecting music lessons and song categories.

Meet Piano Assistant

Bar chart with images of Chappell Roan, Beyonce, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga on a tablet screen.

Play along with the 2025 Grammy winners in the ROLI Learn app

Hands playing an illuminated digital piano keyboard with purple backlit keys on a dark background.

Discover ROLI Piano’s four Dimensions of Touch

Child learning piano online with colorful keyboard and video lesson on tablet at home.

How to play piano with two hands

Colorful music playlist cards on a tablet featuring "Your Love Is King," "Love Me Like You Do," "Somebody to Love," and "I Wanna Be Your Lover."

The Art of the Love Song

People using MIDI controllers and laptops with headphones at a music technology booth during a trade show.

ROLI returns for NAMM 2025

Musician demonstrating a ROLI Piano and MIDI controller at a live event with an audience watching.

Jordan Rudess conjures ethereal soundscapes with ROLI Piano and Airwave

Man demonstrating a futuristic touchless musical instrument with a keyboard and laptop in a modern, purple-lit room.

Watch Unbox Therapy get hands-on with Airwave and ROLI Piano

Man composing music on MIDI keyboard at digital audio workstation with mixing software on computer screen.

Juan Dussán: Crafting the cinematic soundscapes of 'Chasing Light' with Seaboard 2

Musician performing electronic music with MIDI controllers and synthesizers at a studio setup, wearing headphones and a beanie.

Witness dynamic ROLI Piano and Airwave performances at NAMM 2025

Double exposure portrait of a woman with colorful neon lighting and blurred visual effects.

Levelling the playing field with MALKA and Hen Hoose

Four famous women pianists: Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Tori Amos, and Alicia Keys with stylized portraits.

International Women’s Day 2025: Pianists you need to know

Smiling woman with tattoos playing digital piano in music studio with keyboard and microphone in background.

Gnarly celebrates having confidence in your creativity

Woman with curly hair and glasses holding a graphic tablet against a plain background.

Celia Tewey Creating without the pressure of perfection

Making your music happen with MISSTIQ

Woman with blonde hair in soft purple lighting, dreamy background with butterfly silhouettes, close-up portrait.

"Music just feels like home" – May Zoean on staying true to her sound

Hands playing a ROLI digital piano keyboard with colorful illuminated keys on a wooden table.

28 new two-handed lessons in the ROLI Learn app

Collage of people learning piano on ROLI keyboards with laptops in a modern classroom setting.

What's the best way to learn piano We put three methods to the test.

Close-up of a modern, minimalist metal table leg with a matte finish in a home interior setting.

Airwave will be compatible with Windows

Person playing a digital piano with colorful LED keys, following a music tutorial on a computer screen.

How long will it take to learn piano?

Woman playing a digital keyboard in a music studio with a microphone and computer monitor in the background.

“It’s all part of the learning process” – Sounds by Diāna on growth and creativity

Woman in black shirt and cap playing keyboard on stage, adjusting controls during live music performance.

"Music is my strongest form of expression" — Shan Jiang on art without limits

Woman in black sheer top standing against a wall with teal and blue abstract light projection.

Navigate toCreate

“There is no failure in creativity”—LNA Does Audio Stuff on fearless music-making

Join the ROLI community